Have you ever considered the way you work when working from home? Not so much about your routine or general schedule, but how comfortable you are, how you feel during work, and also after work? Do you ever get aches and pains? Do you often feel tired? Is there general discomfort? It’s amazing how evolutionary working has become.
At one point in time, working from home was basically unheard of, and nowadays, there are home offices that are dedicated to the careers of those people. While this shift offers flexibility and convenience, it also comes with the responsibility of creating a comfortable and productive workspace.
One of the key aspects of a home office is ergonomics. While sure, to a degree, companies will put this into consideration, good companies, at least, it doesn’t seem to be as important to those working from home. Working at your kitchen table isn’t comfortable, working on your couch isn’t good for your body, and buying a random desk and chair for your workspace isn’t always going to be a good idea. It’s so important to keep ergonomics in mind because for hours a day, no, hours a week, you’ll be sitting there in the same spot, just working away.
So it’s vital that this stays a comfortable area. It’s just not only about creating a productive home office but a comfortable one, too. So, since it’s so important to have an understanding of all of it, here’s exactly everything you need to know when it comes to creating an ergonomic home office.
Why Is It So Important To Have An Ergonomic Home Office?
Is it actually important to have a home office that focuses on ergonomics? Absolutely! As you know, your home office needs to be a productive space, and sometimes, you can’t have a productive space unless you have a space that also focuses on comfort. And when there’s comfort, it’s vital that it works for your body in the long run. So, to sum it up, having an ergonomic home office is of paramount importance because it directly impacts your well-being and productivity.
Ergonomics ensures that your workspace is tailored to your body’s needs, reducing the risk of discomfort, strain, and potential health issues like musculoskeletal disorders and eye fatigue. “Ergonomics” really isn’t some generic buzzword either. You need to have a space that works with you both physically and mentally, and that means getting furniture that’s able to do that. So, it’s not something that’s only aesthetically pleasing and not only something that’s cheap and “get the job done.”
How to Create an Ergonomic Home Office
Is it easy to create an ergonomic office? For the most part, it is. Ideally, before just buying anything, it’s best to really reflect on what you think is best for your individual needs, but of course, read into reviews and see if you can test out furniture first. But here are some ways to create an ergonomic home office.
Start By Choosing the Right Type of Chair
Have you ever sat in a chair, and it was basically impossible to focus on anything because of the lack of comfort you were dealing with? Yeah, that can happen, and that’s the exact thing you want to avoid when it comes to your home office. You have no control over your seating if you work at an office, but you at least have some control in your own home.
You’re going to want to Invest in an adjustable chair that provides lumbar support and allows you to maintain a neutral posture. Ideally, it’s best to ensure that your feet are flat on the ground and your knees are at a 90-degree angle when seated. So, go ahead and test out some different chairs before getting one.
Your Desk is Everything
Your desk is going to be the next important thing, second to your chair. Ideally, this should be able to adjust in height, and it’s all the more better if you’re able to switch it to a standing desk like the fabulous ones on deskup.com.au. You want to make sure that you’re reducing the strain on your back and neck. So, for a good rule of thumb when sitting, the desk should be at a height that allows your elbows to be close to your body and your wrists to remain straight while typing. When standing, your screen should be at eye level to avoid looking down or up for extended periods.
Position Your Monitor Correctly
The last thing you want to deal with is having eye strain, so it’s really important to keep this in mind. So, you’re going to want to consider the placement of your monitor. The top of your screen should be at or slightly below eye level, and it should be at arm’s length from your eyes. Most monitors (at least nowadays) are adjustable, and even if you’re having to use your laptop, for the most part, those are adjustable, too.
Get a Proper Keyboard and Mouse
The touchpad and keyboard on your laptop are not ergonomic, and the chances are high that the current mouse and keyboard you have, in general, aren’t ergonomic either. So, you’re going to want your keyboard and mouse should be at the same level as your elbows when you’re sitting.
The reason for this is because this is actually going to help in keeping your wrists in a neutral position to prevent strain. But if you don’t want to fork over the extra money for something like a fancy mechanical keyboard, then it doesn’t hurt to instead to look into a keyboard tray.
Keep Your Cables Organised
Tangled cables not only create a messy workspace but can also be hazardous, depending on where they are. It’s going to be best if you went ahead and used cable organisers or clips to keep your cables neatly organised and out of your way.
Proper Lighting is Key
If you can have your desk by a window, then by all means, you should do this since natural lighting does help boost productivity. Task lighting can also help too though, if you’re limited on natural light since these usually lack the glare.
Consider Buying Some Ergonomic Accessories
So, it’s not only about buying furniture that’s ergonomic; sometimes, it’s going to be accessories that are going to help out, too, such as an ergonomic keyboard or mouse. But it doesn’t really end there with those two items. There are even items like having a document holder to keep your documents at eye level. These accessories can further enhance your workspace’s ergonomics and just make work go a little easier, too.
Is Creating an Ergonomic Home Office Worth It?
So, at the end of the day, is it actually worth it to buy all of this stuff? Yes, absolutely! It’s so important to have a workspace that works with you and not against you. That’s honestly the key to productivity. Basically, creating an ergonomic home office is a crucial investment in your health and productivity. By getting some of these things, you’re essentially making adjustments to your workspace; you can significantly reduce the risk of discomfort and strain while working from home.
It truly is worth it in the end. So, just remember that your well-being should be a top priority, and an ergonomic workspace is a significant step in the right direction. So, take the time to set up your home office correctly, and you’ll reap the benefits in the long run. Your body will thank you, and your productivity will likely improve as well.
